The Western Tidewater Health District is excited to announce that next week (week of January 25, 2021) it will move into Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Based on the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, Phase 1B includes frontline essential workers, those 65 year of age and older, and individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 with a high risk medical condition. A full breakdown of Phase 1B can be found here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

“We are excited to move through the phases of our vaccination plan at a feverish pace” said Dr. Lauren James, interim director of the Western Tidewater Health District. James continued “Our staff has done an exceptional job planning for this vaccine rollout and strives to continue to provide exceptional service to the localities we serve just as we have done through the entire pandemic.”

Organizations that fall into the categories outlined in Phase 1B are asked to email Will Drewery, district emergency manager at will.drewery@vdh.virginia.gov to gain access to the online scheduling portal.

Citizens 65 and older who are unable to obtain vaccine through their healthcare provider or a pharmacy are asked to call one of the following numbers to make an appointment

Suffolk (757) 514-4781

Isle of Wight (757) 279-3070

Franklin (757) 562-6109

Southampton (757) 653-3040

Vaccine is expected to be in very high demand and the district asks for the public’s patience as they navigate through the various phases of vaccine deployment. As the district moves into future phases of vaccine deployment, more information will be made publicly available.